What is Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorder?
Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorder is a mental health condition that can cause you to have an out-of-body experience. In addition to feeling like everything around you is not real. This condition occurs when you continuously feel like you are observing yourself from outside your body. Living with Depersonalisation-Derealisation can be unsettling, and may feel like you are living in a dream. Many people can experience these feelings from time to time.
Moreover, this condition has known to be common in those who have experienced trauma. Many people who suffer from Depersonalisation-Derealisation struggle to express how they feel. Living with this condition can make things like school and work extremely challenging. This is because you are preoccupied with making sure that you exist. In addition to making sure that everything that is happening around you is real.
Depersonalisation-Derealisation can affect your memories, actions, and thoughts. People with this condition have the sensibilities of feeling disconnected from the body and mind. Biological factors along with environmental factors may also play a role in the condition. The exact cause of the condition is yet to be identified but there are things like abuse, violence, and the death of a loved one that can contribute towards Depersonalisation-Derealisation.
Therapy for Depersonalisation-Derealisation
Depersonalisation-Derealisation is usually treated with individual therapy, medications can also be provided to help manage the condition. The medication given will not cure this condition but can reduce the symptoms. Cognitive-Behavioral therapy can also be used to help you manage intrusive thoughts and any other symptoms associated with Depersonalisation-Derealisation. Trauma-focused therapy like eye movement and reprocessing is also in-cooperated along with EMDR. This can help you process memories that may have been traumatic. Psychotherapy can also help you learn different techniques that pull you away from your symptoms. This can bring you back to reality so you feel more connected.
You can also learn different coping mechanisms to deal with distressful situations. This will help you function better when engaging in daily activities. Depersonalisation-Derealisation may be linked to recreational drugs, alcohol, or any underlying health problems. In order for your treatment to be effective, you will need to follow your treatment plan. Doing this will increase the chances of successfully managing this condition. Learning about Depersonalisation-Derealisation using the internet and reading books can also teach you different ways to cope.
If you are unsure where to find the appropriate resources, you can ask your health professional. When seeking professional help, you may be referred to a doctor who specifies the brain and nervous system. When preparing for your first appointment, you may want to consider writing down any symptoms that you have been experiencing. You can also key any personal information about your life.
Understanding the possible causes of Depersonalisation-Derealisation
The most common cause of Depersonalisation-Derealisation is neglect or abuse from a young age. The trauma can often lead to the child detaching from their surroundings. This is a way of managing what they are going through. An extended period of stress plays an important role in anxiety and Depersonalisation. It can change the levels of two hormones in your bloodstream. These hormones can result in us feeling redoubtable and anxious.
When we get Depersonalised, we often get cut off from feeling any emotion that could possibly overwhelm us. This can be very dreadful creating further stress and apprehensiveness. Psychological trauma affects one’s mind and sense of self in children who are most vulnerable. Depersonalisation-Derealisation usually happens when your body is trying to prevent a breakdown. This can cause a person to cut off emotions. This also results in not being able to feel or process positive emotions like love and happiness.
Furthermore, this can make the individual feel very lost. Not getting enough hours of sleep also plays a big role in a person’s psychological state. Lack of sleep can increase feelings of anxiety and extreme tiredness. Smoking marijuana is also another trigger leading to Depersonalisation. It creates a sense of panic due to the effects of weed when consuming it. This can enhance Depersonalisation-Derealisation symptoms.
Strategies to help manage Depersonalisation-Derealisation
Breathing
When you are feeling overwhelmed, your nervous system activates causing increased anxiety and distress. Breathing exercises can reduce anxiety making you feel more centered. There are many different resources available that can help you with breathing techniques.
Listening to music
Feelings of Derealisation can be intense, so listening to music may help you feel less anxious and more grounded. You may want to consider playing your favorite song or a song you are familiar with. This can bring you back into reality making you feel more connected. Making sure your earphones are with you at all times can also help when Depersonalisation-Drealisation symptoms occur.
Reading books
Read a book you are familiar with or a book that brings you comfort. This can reduce stress levels making Depersonalisation-Drerealisation easier to manage. It allows your mind to focus on the story which helps with any intrusive thoughts that may occur.
Call somebody that you trust
When symptoms of Depersonalisation-Derealisation appear, you may want to isolate yourself. Instead, try calling a friend or family member. The convocation can keep you in touch with reality and keep your mind occupied from any intrusive thoughts. You may also want to ask if they would like to meet up. Staying in contact with those around you can make you feel more real and connected.
If you are living with Depersonalisation-Derealisation, getting the correct support can help manage and improve symptoms. Taking care of your mental health takes courage but should also be a priority. There are various types of support available if you are struggling with the Depersonalisation-Derealisation disorder. Depersonalisation-Derealisation is rarely spoken about due to the fear of being judged. Because of this, it can be very difficult for a person to open up and get the right support.
If you have these symptoms yourself or know somebody who is struggling with this condition, you may want to read up Depersonalisation-Derealisation so you gain a better understanding. You could also encourage the individual to seek professional help and attend appointments for moral support. All these things can help give a person suffering from Depersonalisation-Derealisation the right support they need so they can have a better quality of life.
